Prasar Bharati Launches OTT Platform ‘Waves’
Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster, has launched its own OTT platform ‘Waves’ at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). With a diverse content library, it aims to deliver a mix of nostalgic classics and contemporary programming, making it a hub for family-friendly entertainment. The platform is available on Android and iOS, offering content in over 12 languages and spanning multiple genres such as infotainment, gaming, education, shopping, and live events. This launch marks a significant step toward realizing the Digital India vision, especially for rural audiences, by bridging the digital divide.
Diverse Content Offerings: Waves provides 65 live TV channels, video-on-demand, free-to-play games, and online shopping through ONDC. It hosts content across genres like infotainment, education, and entertainment in over 12 languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, and Konkani.
Nostalgic and Modern Shows: The platform blends India’s cultural past with the present, featuring classic TV shows such as Ramayan, Mahabharat, and Shaktimaan, alongside new age content like Fauji 2.0 and Kicking Balls. The inclusion of student films, reality shows, and regional programming enhances its appeal.
Exclusive Live Events and Collaborations: Waves will broadcast live events like the US Premier League Cricket Tournament and Mann Ki Baat. It has partnered with organizations like CDAC for cybersecurity awareness campaigns and collaborated with film schools such as FTII and Annapurna for student films.
Focus on Family-Friendly Content: The platform is designed as a “one-stop hub” for families, kids, and youth. It aims to provide clean content while showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage.
Supporting Young Creators: Waves actively supports emerging content creators, including National Creator Awardees and students from film and media colleges.
Collaborations with Government and Industry: Waves is co-developing content with various ministries and states, aiming to provide meaningful entertainment through docudramas, reality shows, and historical documentaries. It also offers live streaming from Doordarshan and private channels in categories like news, sports, and devotional programs.
| Why in News | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Prasar Bharati launches OTT platform ‘Waves’ at IFFI 2024 | Platform Name: Waves; Launch Event: IFFI 2024; Launch By: CM Pramod Sawant of Goa; Tagline: “Waves – Family Entertainment Ki Nayi Lehar”; Languages: Over 12 languages including Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Konkani, etc.; Content: 65 live TV channels, VOD, free games, online shopping (ONDC integration). |
| Chief Minister of Goa | Name: Pramod Sawant; Party: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP); Capital of Goa: Panaji; State: Goa |
| Ministry Involved | Ministry: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India; Secretary: Sanjay Jaju |
| Platform Features | Genres: Infotainment, education, gaming, shopping, live events; Live Events: US Premier League Cricket, Mann Ki Baat, Ayodhya’s Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti; Collaboration with: CDAC for Cyber Security awareness. |
| Supporting Young Creators | National Creator Awardees: Kamiya Jani, RJ Raunac, Shraddha Sharma, others; Film School Partnerships: FTII, Annapurna. |
| Films & Shows Featured | Films: Roll No.52, Fauji 2.0, Kicking Balls, Monkey King: The Hero is Back; TV Shows: Fouja, Bhed Bharam, Corporate Sarpanch; Animations: Chota Bheem. |
India achieved the major milestone in defense innovation as AI powered combat aircraft 'Kaal Bhairava'…
Lieutenant Governor of the Ladakh Mr. Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the high altitude irrigation canal…
Sahdev Yadav has been elected as the President of the South Asian Weightlifting Federation (SAWF).…
The European Union (EU) has included the India in its updated list of countries who…
India assumes the Chair of the Common Criteria Development Board (CCDB) for the 2026-28 term…
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched the Phase III of Special Intensive Revision…